Compositions and methods for producing stable negative oxidation reduction potential in consumable materials

ABSTRACT

Compositions of reducing agents and carriers for producing a stable negative oxidation reduction potential in consumable materials are disclosed and claimed. Compositions of the invention find use in enhancing the hydration and anti-oxidant value of consumable materials such as foods, beverages and cosmetics, for example. Compositions of the invention also find use in water treatment, agricultural and scientific research applications. Methods for using and making the compositions are also within the scope of the invention.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 12/790,654filed May 28, 2010, which claims priority to Provisional ApplicationSer. No. 61/187,381 filed Jun. 16, 2009. The contents of theseapplications are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to compositions for producing a negative oxidationreduction potential in materials for use in retail, agricultural, healthcare, cosmetic, water treatment and scientific research applications.

BACKGROUND

Exposing living organisms to negative oxidation reduction potentialconditions provides a number of health benefits. For example, beneficialanaerobic bacteria in the human digestive tract grow better underreducing conditions (Curr. Tr. Options in Gastr. 2007, 10: 312-321).Evidence suggests that negative oxidation reduction potential (“NORP” or“negative ORP”) may also provide benefits in modulating inflammatoryresponses in the treatment of colitis and inflammatory bowel disease(Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2006, 24:701-714).

NORP conditions are also believed to provide antioxidant benefitssimilar to vitamins and enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, catalaseand glutathione peroxidase. Thus, NORP materials are considered tofunction as scavengers of reactive oxygen species including freeradicals (J. of App. Electrochem. 2001 31: 1307-1313). Negative ORPwater is reported to provide benefits in treating diabetes and metabolicsyndrome (Cytotech. 2002, 40: 139-142; Nutr. Res. 2008; 28:137-143).

Not surprisingly, commercial devices have been developed for producingNORP drinking water. Water electrolyzers, such as those disclosed inU.S. Pat. No. 6,623,615 for example, use an electric current to producealkaline NORP drinking water in the home. These devices have twodrawbacks. First, the NORP produced by electrolyzers is unstable andwater treated with these devices loses its NORP over time.Electrolytically treated drinking water must therefore be consumed soonafter it is treated in order to obtain its NORP benefits. Second,electrolytic devices are impractical for portable use due to their sizeand need for an electrical power source and connection to a water tap.

Another means for producing reduced drinking water is the subject ofUnited States Pat. No. 7,189,330 to Hayashi et al. This documentdescribes a device comprising grains of elemental magnesium and silverwhich are encased in a ceramic housing in the form of a stick. Inpractice, these sticks are placed in drinking water for the productionof ‘hydrogen rich’ NORP drinking water.

Applicant observed that the Hayashi et al. device suffers from a numberof limitations. First, drinking water treated with the Hayashi et al.device only achieved a NORP of about −50 mV to −100 mV. Second,Applicant observed that the Hayashi et al. device took several hours toproduce this slightly increased NORP. The third disadvantage thatApplicant observed was that the NORP produced by the Hayashi et al.device was unstable as the treated water returned to its initialoxidation reduction state shortly after the device was removed. Fourth,Applicant observed that the Hayashi et al. device has a limited usefullife due to the oxidation of the device's magnesium and silver grains.Fifth, the Hayashi et al. device has the potential for microbialcross-contamination since it is designed for multiple uses and has thepotential treating the drinking water of different individuals.

Applicant noted that what was needed in the art therefore was a portablemeans for quickly and efficiently producing a strong, stable NORP indrinking water and other consumable materials without the potential formicrobial contamination.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Applicant's invention overcomes the shortcomings of known methods anddevices for producing beneficial NORP by providing safe, stabilizedadditives for use in retail, agricultural, health care, cosmetic,wastewater treatment and scientific research applications.

In one aspect, the invention provides an additive for producing a NORPin a consumable material, wherein the additive comprises a mixture of atleast one reducing agent, and at least one carrier, wherein the carrieris water soluble and non-toxic.

In another aspect, the invention provides an additive for producing aNORP in a consumable material, wherein the additive comprises a mixtureof at least one reducing agent, and at least one carrier, wherein theadditive produces a negative oxidation reduction potential of betweenabout −200 and −800 mV in the consumable material.

In another aspect, the invention provides an additive for producing aNORP in a consumable material, wherein the mixture comprises (a) areducing agent that is selected from the group consisting of an organicreducing agent, an inorganic reducing agent, and combinations thereof,and (b) at least one carrier selected from the group consisting of abase, a saccharide, an ascorbate analog, EDTA analog, and combinationsthereof.

In another aspect, the invention provides an additive for producing aNORP in a consumable material, wherein the mixture comprises (a) areducing agent comprising particles of an elemental metal selected fromthe group consisting of magnesium, calcium, zinc, iron, copper, cobalt,manganese, and combinations thereof.

In another aspect, the invention comprises a method for producing a NORPin a consumable material comprising providing a consumable material,providing an additive comprising at least one reducing agent and atleast one carrier, and contacting the consumable material with theadditive under conditions suitable to produce a NORP in the consumablematerial, wherein the consumable material is a food, beverage, foodsubstitute, dietary and nutritional supplement, animal feed, materialfor horticultural use, or material for scientific research.

In another aspect, the invention provides a composition for treatingwaste water, wherein the composition comprises a mixture of at least onereducing agent, and at least one carrier.

In another aspect, the invention provides a method for treatingwastewater, wherein the method comprises (a) providing wastewater, (b)producing a NORP in the wastewater by contacting the wastewater with anadditive comprising at least one reducing agent and at least onecarrier, wherein producing a NORP in the wastewater causes contaminantsin the wastewater to precipitate, and (c) removing the precipitatedcontaminants from the wastewater.

DEFINITIONS

As used herein, the term “additive,” or “reducing additive” refers to amixture comprising at least one reducing agent and at least one carrier,wherein the additive produces a negative oxidation reduction potentialin a material when the additive is contacted with an aqueous consumablematerial.

As used herein, the term “consumable material” refers to any materialthat provides nourishment for the growth or metabolism of a livingorganism.

As used herein, the term “aqueous consumable material” refers to aconsumable material that comprises water in a sufficient quantity toachieve an increase in negative oxidation reduction potential when thematerial is contacted with a reducing agent. The term “aqueousconsumable material” includes, but is in no way limited to, water whichis free of other substances.

As used herein, the term “biological value” refers to reductionpotential (reduction capacity), hydration potential, and/or anti-oxidantpotential obtained by a living organism through the ingestion of aconsumable material. An “increase in biological value” refers to ameasurable increase in the biological value of a consumable material asa result of the consumable material being contacted with an additive asdisclosed herein.

As used herein, the term “treat,” or “treating,” means contacting (e.g.combining) a material (e.g. consumable material) with an additive,wherein such contacting produces a measurable increase in the negativeoxidation reduction potential of the material. The term “treating”includes, but is not limited to, increasing the biological value of aconsumable material as a result of being contacted with an additive asdisclosed herein.

As used herein, the term “non-toxic” means materials which are safe foringestion by a living organism, including plants and animals, preferablymammals, and more preferably humans.

As used herein, the terms “reducing agent,” and “reductant,” refer to asubstance that is readily oxidized by simultaneously reducing anothersubstance. Reducing agents include electron donors, hydride donors andhydrogen donors.

The terms “oxidizing agent,” and “oxidant” are used interchangeablyherein to refer to either a) a chemical compound that readily transfersoxygen atoms, or b) a substance that gains electrons in a redox chemicalreaction. In both cases, the oxidizing agent becomes reduced in theprocess.

As used herein, the terms “shift in oxidation reduction potential,”“shift in ORP,” “oxidation reduction potential shift,” and “ORP shift”are used to refer to a measurable change in the oxidation reductionpotential of a material. For example, a change from +200 mV to −200 mVin a material is a 400 mV shift in oxidation reduction potential.

As used herein, the term “target NORP” refers to a negative oxidationreduction potential, or range of negative oxidation reduction potential,that is desired in a selected material (e.g. consumable material).

As used herein, the term “producing a negative oxidation reductionpotential” or “producing a NORP” refers to increasing or maintaining thenegative oxidation reduction potential of a material (e.g. consumablematerial) by contacting the material with an additive as disclosedherein. An increase in negative oxidation reduction potential refers toa measurable net increase in the negative oxidation reduction potentialof a material that results from the material being contacted with areducing agent (e.g. additive) relative to the negative oxidationreduction potential of the material in the absence of contact with thereducing agent. Similarly, maintaining the negative oxidation reductionpotential of a material refers to the ability of an agent (e.g. additiveor reducing agent) to prevent or inhibit the loss of negative oxidationreduction potential in a material (e.g. consumable material) relative tothe loss of oxidation reduction potential that results in the absence ofsuch agent.

As used herein, the term “aqueous solution,” “aqueous environment,” or“aqueous material,” refers to any material (e.g. aqueous consumablematerial) that contains water in a sufficient quantity to allow thematerial to develop a negative oxidation reduction potential when thematerial is contacted with a reducing agent (e.g. additive). Aqueousmaterials include, but are not limited to, liquids (e.g. viscousliquids), gels, sols and pastes.

As used herein, the term “base” refers to any chemical compound ormaterial that, when dissolved in water, gives a solution with a hydrogenion activity lower than that of pure water (i.e. a pH higher than 7.0 atstandard conditions). Bases include, but are not limited to, alkalis andorganic bases (e.g. compounds containing an amino group).

As used herein, the term “alkaline,” or “basic,” refers to a hydrogenion activity lower than that of pure water (i.e. a pH higher than 7.0 atstandard conditions).

As used herein, the term “alkali,” or “alkaline agent,” refers to abasic, ionic salt, oxides or hydroxides of an alkali metal or analkaline earth metal element.

As used herein, the term “carrier” refers to any substance that may beformulated with a reducing agent to produce a NORP in a consumablematerial as disclosed herein. Such carriers may be liquid, powder, gel,sol or paste in form. Carriers of the invention include, but are in noway limited to, (i) bases, (ii) buffers, (iii) inert materials foradding volume to the additives of the invention (e.g excipients, bulkingagents and binders), (iv) compounds that, when combined with a reducingagent, inhibit or prevent the oxidation of the reducing agent byenvironmental conditions such as exposure to atmospheric moisture, (v)materials that help maintain the negative oxidation reduction potentialof a reduced consumable material, and (vi) combinations thereof.Carriers may be soluble or insoluble in water.

As used herein, the term “purified,” or “pure,” means that a material isat least 95% (by dry weight or molar ratio) free of other materials.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The invention generally relates to additives for quickly and efficientlyproducing a stable NORP in materials for use in retail, agricultural,health care, cosmetic, water treatment and scientific researchapplications. The invention includes methods of using such additives toincrease the nutrient and health benefits of consumable materials. Theinvention also relates to methods for making the additives of theinvention.

In some aspects, the additives of the invention comprise a mixture of areducing agent and a carrier. Such mixtures may be formulated with atleast one reducing agent and at least one carrier. The additives of theinvention may be formulated with inorganic reducing agents, organicreducing agents, or a combination thereof.

The invention may be practiced with any inorganic reducing agent capableof producing a negative ORP when contacted with an aqueous material asdisclosed herein. Suitable inorganic reducing agents may comprise, forexample, elemental metals. Such elemental metals include, but are notlimited to, magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), copper(Cu), cobalt (Co), manganese (Mn), and combinations thereof. In someaspects, the additives are formulated for reducing materials notintended for animal or human consumption. For example, additives may beformulated for use in wastewater and horticultural applications asdescribed herein. Such additives may comprise reducing agents including,but not limited to, hydrazines (e.g. hydrazine salts), borohydrides[e.g. LiBH₄, NaBH₄, NaBH₃CN, KBH₄], sulphites, and combinations thereof.These reducing agents may be used alone, or in combination with one ormore of the elemental metals called out above.

The additives of the invention may be formulated with organic reducingagents. Such reducing agents include any organic reducing agent thatproduces a NORP when contacted with an aqueous material (e.g. consumablematerial) as described herein. Additives of the invention may beformulated with organic derivatives of hydrazine and/ordihydro-pyridines. Some suitable organic reducing agents for use withthe invention include, but are not limited to, amino-guanidine,dihydro-pyrrol derivatives, dihydro-furan derivatives, dihydro-pyridinederivatives, 1,4-dihydro-pyridine derivative (dihydro-trigonelline—DHT),organic borohydrides, and combinations thereof.

As noted above, the additives of the invention are formulated with oneor more carriers. Carriers for use with the invention preferably do notcause or contribute to the oxidation of the reducing agent(s) whenreducing agent(s) and carrier(s) are combined with one another. Oneskilled in the art will appreciate that the selection of carriers (aswell as reducing agents) will depend upon the particular application towhich the additive will be applied. For example, a soluble ornon-soluble carrier may be desired. Carriers for use with the inventioninclude, but are in no way limited to, bases, saccharides, ascorbateanalogs, EDTA, EDTA analogs, and combinations thereof.

Carriers for use with the invention include alkalis. The term “alkali,”or “alkaline carrier,” as used herein, refers to a basic, ionic salt,oxide or hydroxide of an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal.Formulating the additives of the invention with an alkaline carrierpermits them to adjust the pH of a material (e.g. consumable material)to which they are added, while simultaneously producing a NORP. Alkalisfor use with the invention may include, but are not limited to, sodiumbicarbonate, potassium bicarbonate, sodium carbonate, potassiumcarbonate, magnesium carbonate, magnesium oxide, calcium carbonate, andcombinations thereof.

The invention further contemplates additives comprising organic bases.Suitable organic bases for use with the invention include, but are notlimited to amines, deprotanated amino acids, and combinations thereof

In some aspects, the additives of the invention are formulated with oneor more saccharide (e.g. carbohydrate) carriers. As with other forms ofcarrier, saccharide carriers should not oxidize the reducing agent(s) ornegatively affect the ability of the reducing agent(s) to produce anegative ORP in a material (e.g. consumable material). Saccharides foruse with the invention include, but are not limited to, monosaccharides,disaccharides, oligosaccharides, polysaccharides, sugar alcohols, andcombinations thereof. Some sugars for use with the invention include,but are not limited to, fructose, glucose, mannose, sorbose, xylose,maltose, lactose, sucrose, inulin, dextran, and combinations thereof.Some non-limiting examples of suitable sugar alcohols include mannitol,sorbitol, inositol, dulcitol, xylitol, arabitol, and combinationsthereof. The invention further contemplates formulating reducing agentswith carriers comprising artificial sweeteners. Suitable artificialsweeteners include, but not limited to, sucralose, aspartame, saccharin,acesulfame K, and combinations thereof.

In aspects of the invention, additives are formulated by combiningreducing agents with a sufficient amount of carrier(s) to stabilize thereducing potential of the reducing agents. That is, combining reducingagents with a sufficient quantity of a carrier may be used to prevent orinhibit the oxidation of the additive before the additive can be used totreat a material (e.g. consumable material) as disclosed herein. Forexample, reducing agents may be combined with a sufficient amount of oneor more carriers to prevent the reducing agent from being oxidized byexposure to atmospheric oxygen. Similarly, strongly reducing agents maybe made safe for use in producing a NORP through their combination witha sufficient quantity of carrier. For example, the risk of theuncontrolled combustion of finely divided magnesium (e.g. particlesbelow −35 mesh), may be eliminated by combining the magnesium with asufficient quantity of a carrier. One non-limiting example of such aformulation comprises magnesium particles (between about 37 to 500microns) combined with potassium bicarbonate in weight ratio of betweenabout 1:4 and 1:50 (magnesium:potassium bicarbonate).

Reducing agents may be stabilized by formulating them with aproportionately greater amount of a carrier. Some suitable ratios forstabilizing reducing agents include, but are not limited to, ratiosbetween about 1:4 and about 1:50 (reducing agent:carrier) by weight ormolar ratio. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the additivesof the invention may be formulated with any reducing agent to carrierratio that inhibits or prevents the oxidation of the additive underatmospheric conditions, for example.

Carriers for combining with reducing agents may be selected for theirability to enhance the capacity of reducing agents to produce and/ormaintain a negative ORP in materials (e.g. consumable materials). Suchcarriers may be referred to herein as “NORP-enhancing carriers.”NORP-enhancing carriers allow the reducing agent(s) with which they areformulated to produce and/or maintain a greater NORP in a consumablematerial than in the absence of such NORP-enhancing carriers.NORP-enhancing carriers may also increase the period of time duringwhich a consumable material maintains its NORP. For example, magnesiumcomplexing agents may be used to increase the ability of magnesium toproduce and maintain a negative ORP in a consumable material. Suchmagnesium complexing agents include, but are not limited to, ascorbates,EDTA, EDTA-like ligands (e.g. EDTA analogs), citrates, malates,tartarates, monsaccharides, oligosaccharides (e.g. mannitol and inulin),and combinations thereof.

Carriers for use with the invention further include, but are not limitedto, sodium citrate, dicalcium phosphate, fillers or extenders (such asstarches, lactose, sucrose, glucose, mannitol, and silicic acid),binders (such as, for example, carboxymethyl-cellulose, alginates,gelatin, polyvinylpyrrolidinone, sucrose, xanthan gum, aloe gel, andacacia), disintegrating agents (such as agar-agar, calcium carbonate,potato or tapioca starch, alginic acid, silicates, and sodiumcarbonate), buffering agents and combinations thereof.

One aspect of the invention relates to the ratio of the reducing agentsand carriers that are used to formulate the additives (i.e. mixtures) ofthe invention. The additives of invention may be formulated using anyreducing agent to carrier ratio that permits the additive to produce adesired NORP and/or pH in a material (e.g. consumable material. Oneskilled in the art will appreciate that the relative amounts of reducingagents and carriers used will depend on many variables, including, butnot limited to, the strength of the reducing agent(s), the chemicalproperties of the carrier, the desired level of NORP (i.e. target NORP),the desired concentration of the reducing agent in the additive, thestarting level of NORP in the consumable material to be reduced, the pHdesired in the consumable material to be treated, and/or the amount ofcarrier needed to stabilize the reducing agent(s).

The additives of the invention may be formulated to achieve a desiredlevel of NORP in an object consumable material. As used herein, the term“object consumable material” refers to a consumable material that isintended to be treated (i.e. reduced) with an additive of the invention.Similarly, an object consumable material may be a reference materialthat is used to define a specific reduction potential for the additivesof the invention. Distilled water and reverse-osmosis (RO) water arenon-limiting examples of such a reference material. For example, and inno way limiting, an additive may be formulated to produce a target NORPof between about −200 to −800 my at a concentration of between about0.2-0.5 grams/L of distilled water. One skilled in the art willappreciate that the proportions and amounts of carriers and reducingagents will vary according to the particular reducing agent that isselected and the negative shift in ORP desired.

In some aspects of the invention, additives are formulated for achievinga target NORP in foods and beverages for human consumption. Withoutbeing limited to any particular range or value of NORP, additives of theinvention may be formulated to produce a target NORP of between about−200 mV and −800 mV (or at least −200 mV) in a consumable material. Insome embodiments, the additives of the invention are formulated toproduce a negative ORP shift of about −600 mV. The desired level of NORPshift may depend on the natural NORP value of the object consumablematerial (e.g. food or beverage) and the level of NORP desired. Forexample, an object consumable material may have a natural (i.e. initialor resting) ORP of +100 mV. If the target NORP for the object consumablematerial is about −600 mV, the additive will be formulated to produce anegative NORP shift of about −700 mV. The formulation for such additivemay depend upon the volume of the object consumable material to betreated and the amount of additive that is to be combined with theconsumable material. For example, the additive may be formulated toproduce a shift of −700 mV in a liter of beverage using a selectedamount of additive. One skilled in the art will appreciate that a targetNORP may be achieved by obtaining an average of the natural ORP for anobject consumable material, and adjusting the concentration of thereducing agent in the additive, or adjusting the amount of additive thatis contacted with a selected volume of the object consumable material.

It is also contemplated that an additive for producing an NORP in foodsand beverages may be formulated using a reducing agent and a carriercomprising a base. Such additives may formulated (and used) to achieve atarget NORP of between about −200 mV and −800 mV (or at least −200 mV),and a pH of between about 8 and 10.

In some aspects of the invention, additives are formulated with at leastone elemental metal and at least one carrier, wherein the carrier(s) arein a proportionately greater amount (by weight or molar ratio). Suchratios might include, for example, an elemental metal to carrier ratiofrom between about 1:4, to about 1:50. One skilled in the art willappreciate that the invention may be practiced with any reducing agentto carrier ratio that permits the additives of the invention to reduce aconsumable material as disclosed herein. One non-limiting example of anadditive formulation of the invention includes a mixture comprisingmagnesium particles and at least one carrier (e.g. saccharide, base,EDTA, ascorbate analog, or combinations thereof), wherein the magnesiumand carrier(s) are present in a ratio of between about 1:4 and 1:50 (bymolar ratio or weight) respectively.

In some embodiments, the additives of the invention are formulated usingreducing agents in the form of particles (e.g. a powder). For example,the additives may comprise particles including, but not limited to,organic reducing agents, elemental metals, and combinations thereof. Thesize of particles used may depend on the strength of the reducing agentand the length of time desired to achieve a target NORP in a material(e.g. consumable material). In general terms, and without being limitedto any particular theory, smaller particle sizes increase the surfacearea of the reducing agents thereby shortening the time needed toachieve a target NORP, and increasing the final NORP value of thematerial. Suitable particle sizes for practicing the invention include,but are not limited to, particles ranging between about −400 and −35mesh (i.e. around 37 to 500 microns). In an aspect of the invention,additives are formulated using magnesium particles of about 45 microns.The particles may comprise particles of a uniform size, or a mixture ofdifferent sized particles. While specific ranges of particle sizes arecalled out here, the invention contemplates the use of any particle size(or sizes) that permits the additives of the invention to produce a NORPin a consumable material as disclosed herein.

The additives of the invention may take on a number of differentformats, including, but not limited to, powders, liquids, gels, sols,and slurries. In some aspects of the invention, the additives assume adry formulation (i.e. a dry additive). Such dry forms include, but arenot limited to, capsules, tablets, effervescent tablets which may beprepared for combining with a material (e.g. consumable material). Dryadditives may also be formulated as compressed powdered beads or apowdered aerosol. Dry additives may further be formulated aseffervescent compositions using known formulations that include sodiumbicarbonate, citric acid, and the like. The additives of the inventionmay be packaged to resist environmental oxidation. This may beaccomplished using airtight packaging such as foil pouches (e.g.stick-packs) or plastic containers, for example.

The additives of the invention find use in any application where it isdesirable to provide reductive properties to a material in a quick andefficient manner through the use of an additive. Such applicationsinclude, but are not limited to, retail, agricultural, healthcare,cosmetic, water treatment and scientific research applications.

In some aspects of the invention, additives are used to produce anegative ORP in consumable materials, including, but not limited to,foods, beverages, confectionary, desserts, food substitutes and dietaryand nutritional supplements. As noted above, ingesting food andbeverages that have a high negative ORP (e.g. an ORP of between about−200 and −800 mV) has a number of health benefits. The additives of theinvention may be used to produce (e.g. increase) the NORP of beveragesfor human consumption such as, for example, water (e.g. spring, well,glacial, distilled, RO and filtered water), juices, coffee drinks, teadrinks, flavored beverages (e.g. malts, artificially and naturallyflavored fruit drinks, flavored water and the like), nutrient (e.g.mineral) water, energy drinks, hydrating electrolyte sports drinks,milk, and combinations thereof. Suitable formats for producing a NORP inbeverages include, but are not limited to, water soluble tablets andpowders, including effervescent powders and tablets. Such effervescentand non-effervescent powders may be packaged in sachets.

The additives of the invention may also be used to increase the healthbenefits of any ingestible food. For example, the additives of theinvention may be used to increase the NORP of dairy products, fruits,grain-based foods, condiments, sweeteners (e.g. sugar and sugarsubstitutes), spices, sauces, and combinations thereof. Additives of theinvention may also be used to produce a NORP in food substitutes,dietary and nutritional supplements and drink mixes. For example, theadditives of the invention may be combined with protein powders, vitaminand mineral supplements (in pill, capsule, extract and drink mix form),food and snack bars, herbal supplements, cleanses and meal replacementshakes. Additives used in this capacity may come in the prepared (e.g.packaged) food, or the additives may be added to the food immediatelybefore consumption.

In aspects of the invention, additives are combined with materials (e.g.consumable materials) which do not contain enough water for the additiveto produce a NORP in the consumable material. This would apply to anydry consumable material such as, for example, dry foods, freeze-driedfoods, drink mixes, dry cosmetics (e.g. powders, sticks and deodorants),flour, corn starch, prepared mixes for producing baked goods (e.g.pancake, bread and cake mixes), and nutritional supplements (e.g.protein powders and drink mixes). Although contacting such dryconsumable materials with an additive may not produce a NORP due to theabsence of water, such treated foods are provided with the potential toproduce an NORP once contacted with water. Thus, the phrase “producing aNORP” includes providing a dry material with the potential to achieve aNORP when contacted with water.

The additives of the invention also find use in producing a NORP incosmetic products. As used herein, the terms “cosmetic products,” and“cosmetics,” refer to any product applied to the skin or hair for thepurpose of beautifying, preserving, restoring, enhancing, cleansing orimproving the appearance of the skin or hair. Such cosmetics include,but are in no way limited to, makeup, soaps, shampoos, conditioners,hair tonics, washes, exfoliants, lotions, sunscreens, creams, milks,oils, essences, perfumes, extracts, mouthwashes, deodorants,antiperspirants, shaving creams, shaving lotions, shaving gels, andafter shave. Additives used in this capacity may be pre-formulated inthe prepared (e.g. packaged) cosmetic product, or the additives may beadded to the cosmetic immediately before use. For example, an additivemay be added to a wash or soap immediately before washing and/orexfoliating the skin so as to preserve the beneficial reducing potentialof the additive until just prior to use. The additives of the inventionmay also find use in increasing the NORP in feminine hygiene products.

In an aspect of the invention, additives are used to produce a NORP incosmetics to so as to provide the cosmetics with strong anti-oxidantproperties. Cosmetics with anti-oxidant NORP have a number of benefitsincluding, for example, neutralizing oxidative stress, anti-agingeffects and improved hydration. Thus, NORP cosmetics may be used toimprove the health and appearance of the skin. As used herein, the term“NORP cosmetics” refers to cosmetics which have been reduced, or drycosmetics that have achieved the potential to reduce an aqueousenvironment, through contact (i.e. mixing) with an additive of theinvention. Dry NORP cosmetics applied to the skin may produce abeneficial NORP as the skin emits water through perspiration ordiffusion to provide an aqueous environment. NORP cosmetics may be usedfor anti-aging effects, improving skin moisture and turgor, diminishinglines and wrinkles, diminishing sun spots, treating sunburn and skinallergies, treating chemical and thermal burns, and treating insectbites and injuries resulting from contact with poisonous plants.

Additives of the invention may be formulated using a reducing agent incombination with a carrier comprising a base. Such additives may beformulated to achieve a target NORP of between about −200 mV and −800 mV(or at least −200 mV), and a pH of between about 8 and 10.

The additives of the invention may also find use in pharmaceutical andhealth care applications. For example, the additives of the inventionmay be used to increase the NORP in pharmaceutical grade aqueoussolutions such as, for example, eye drops, nasal drops, ear drops,sublingual drops, inhalants, intravenous solutions, and orallyadministered medications (e.g. cough syrups). The additives of theinvention may also be used in the formulation of topical medications,including, but not limited to, antibiotics, anti-inflammatorymedications and antifungal agents. For example, such topicalformulations may be applied alone, or in the form of an impregnatedbandage or transdermal patch. As with foods, beverages and cosmetics,topical formulations may be pre-formulated with the additives of theinvention, or the additives may be applied to the topical medicationimmediately before use.

The additives of the invention find use in agricultural applications.For example, additives may be produced in bulk for treating drinkingwater for livestock. The additives of the invention may also be used toproduce an NORP (and/or target pH) in drinking water for consumption byanimals including, but not limited to, cattle, horses, pigs, sheep,goats, and avian species (e.g. chickens, ducks and geese). Additives ofthe invention may similarly be used to produce a NORP in livestock feed.That is, a mixture of at least one reducing agent and at least onecarrier may be added to animal feeds to enhance the biological value ofthe feeds. As in other applications where an additive is applied to adry (i.e. non-aqueous) consumable material, additives may be said toproduce a NORP in such materials in that the additives increase thepotential for the dry consumable materials to produce an NORP upon beingintroduced to an aqueous environment.

The additives of the invention may be used to produce a target NORP(and/or pH) for horticultural use. For example, additives may be used toenhance the health of food-producing and ornamental plants. Withoutbeing limited to any particular embodiment, the additives of theinvention may be used to produce a NORP in aqueous solutions such aswater (for hydrating plants), fertilizers, and sprays for use onfoliage. Additives of the invention may also be added to soil as a meansfor increasing the nutrient value (i.e. biological value) of the soil.

The additives of the invention also find use in filtration applications(e.g. water filters) where it is desirable to produce a NORP (and/orincreased pH) in a filtered consumable material. Such applications maybe practiced using a filter member that is impregnated with, coatedwith, or manufactured from, an additive comprising at least one reducingagent and at least one carrier. As used herein, the term “filter member”refers to any filter component that contacts a fluid as the fluid passesthrough a filter device. Filter members include, but are not limited to,porous bodies (e.g. screens or fibrous packing materials) which permitthe fluid to flow through them. Filter members may also include solidcomponents such as rods, discs or beads which may be encased in a filterdevice. Filter members may comprise the wall(s) of a filter device whichcontacts the filtered fluid. Filter members may be impregnated with,coated with, and/or manufactured from an additive. For example, a filtermember may be manufactured from an additive by pressing a dry additiveinto the shape and form of the filter member.

In a specific, non-limiting method of the invention, drinking water isfiltered using a filter device comprising a filter member comprising anadditive of the invention. Such methods generally comprise (1) providinga filtering member that is manufactured from, impregnated with, orcoated with, an additive, (2) contacting the filtering member withdrinking water under conditions suitable to permit the drinking water toachieve a targeted NORP and/or a desired pH, and (3) collecting thefiltered drinking water.

Additives for coating, impregnating or manufacturing a filter memberhave sufficient solubility (i.e. water solubility) to produce a targetNORP and/or desired pH in a consumable material as the consumablematerial flows through, or over, the additive. The additives forcoating, impregnating or manufacturing the filter member may further beencapsulated in a polymeric matrix that releases the additive over timeso that the filtering member may be used multiple times while retainingthe ability to produce a target NORP and/or increased alkalinity insubsequent applications. Materials for encapsulating the additives ofthe invention include any polymeric material that can be cross-linkedin-situ. Suitable encapsulating materials include, but are not limitedto alginates, xantham gum, poly-lactic acid, and the like. Suitablecompounds for achieving encapsulation include, but are not limited to,those taught by the following documents, the disclosures of which areincorporated by reference in their entirety: U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,375,933,6,444,316, 6,527,051, and 7,309,429.

In aspects of the invention, additives may be used to coat the internalsurfaces of drinking and food receptacles such as cups, bottles,glasses, bowls, plates, pots, pans, pitchers and the like. Suchreceptacles produce a NORP in aqueous consumable materials when suchmaterials are contacted with (i.e. placed in) the receptacles. Suitableformulations for such additive coatings are described above. Suchcoatings may be for a single use and dissolve quickly, or they may be ofa time-release nature to permit the receptacle to produce a NORP overmultiple uses.

The additives of the invention may be used in wastewater treatmentapplications. That is, the additives of the invention may be formulatedand used to remove contaminants from wastewater. In general terms, suchapplications are practiced by providing a volume of wastewater,contacting the wastewater with an amount of additive sufficient toproduce a level of NORP suitable for causing oxidized contaminants inthe wastewater to become reduced and precipitate, and removing theprecipitated particles from the wastewater. Precipitated particles maybe removed by any method suitable for separating particles fromwastewater such as, for example, sedimentation, filtration,centrifugation and the like. Using additives for wastewater treatmentmay be used to remove any form of oxidized contaminant from wastewaterin applications including, but not limited to, municipal andagricultural wastewater treatment. Wastewater treatment as disclosedherein may be practiced with any additive that causes oxidizedcontaminants in the wastewater to become reduced and precipitate in amanner that permits the particles to be collected and removed. SuitableNORP values for treating wastewater using the additives of the inventioninclude, but are not limited to, NORP in the range of about −50 and −750mV.

Some non-limiting, exemplary additives for producing a stabilized NORPare shown in the following examples. Also disclosed are the pH and NORPactivities of these exemplary formulations. These examples (and theirrelative reducing potential and pH) are provided for illustration onlyand do not in any way limit the additives of the invention to anyspecific formulation or activity. One skilled in the art will appreciatethat these formulations may be modified without departing from thespirit of the invention.

EXAMPLE 1

Amount per Component tablet (mg) % Mg:KHCO₃ (1:8) 300.00 60.0% Mannitol183.50 36.7% PEG 3350 15.00 3.0% Silica 1.50 0.3% Total 500.00 100.0%ORP (for 500 mg tablet/0.5 L water −550 mV pH = 9.8

EXAMPLE 23

Amount per Component tablet (mg) % Mg:KHCO₃ (1:4) 100.0 33.3 KHCO₃ 100.033.3 Mannitol 49.0 16.3 Malic acid 50.0 16.7 Sodium stearyl fumarate 1.00.3 Total 300.0 99.9 ORP (for 300 mg tablet/0.5 L water) = −460 mV pH =9.6

EXAMPLE 3

Amount in g per 100 g Component of Tableting Powder % KHCO₃ (anhydrous)57 57 NaHCO₃ (anh) 0 0 Ca - Lactate x 5H₂O 10 10 Inulin (anh) 9 9 Mg(metal -350 mesh) 8 8 Malic Acid (anh) 8 8 L-Leucine anh 8 8 TOTAL (g;%) 100 100 Weight of one tablet 0.25 g ORP (1 tablet per 0.5 L water) =−690 mV pH = 10.0

EXAMPLE 4

Amount in g per 100 g Component of Tableting Powder % KHCO₃ (anhydrous)33 33 NaHCO₃ (anh) 17 17 Ca - Lactate x 5H₂O 12 12 Inulin (anh) 8 9 Mg(metal -350 mesh) 8 8 Malic Acid (anh) 14 8 L-Leucine anh 8 8 TOTAL (g;%) 100 100 Weight of one tablet 0.25 g ORP (1 tablet per 0.5 L water) =−710 mV pH = 8.5

EXAMPLE 5

Amount in g per 100 g Component of Tableting Powder % KHCO₃ (anhydrous)33 33 NaHCO₃ (anh) 17 17 Ca - Lactate x 5H₂O 10 10 Inulin (anh) 8 8 Mg(metal -350 mesh) 8 8 Tartaric Acid (anh) 14 14 L-Leucine anh 10 10TOTAL (g; %) 100 100 Weight of one tablet 0.25 g ORP (1 tablet per 0.5 Lwater) = −740 mV pH = 8.6

EXAMPLE 6

Amount in g per 100 g Component of Tableting Powder % KHCO₃ (anhydrous)30 30 NaHCO₃ (anh) 15 15 Ca - Lactate x 5H₂O 10 10 Inulin (anh) 12 12 Mg(metal -350 mesh) 8 8 Tartaric Acid (anh) 15 15 L-Leucine anh 10 10TOTAL (g; %) 100 100 Weight of one tablet 0.25 g ORP (1 tablet per 0.5 Lwater) = −630 mV pH = 8.4

EXAMPLE 7

Magnesium-Based NORP Formulation

A 600 g NORP producing mixture was formulated as follows:

275 g KHCO3; 45.83%

25 g Mg powder (350 mesh); 4.16%

100 g Ascorbic Acid (AA); 16.66%

(Active ORP part of the formula)

175 g Mannitol; 29.16%

25 g Inulin; 4.16%

One gram of the above mixture was dissolved in one liter of distilledwater. After 15 minutes in solution, the mixture produced a NORP ofabout −300 mV. After standing another 1-2 hours, the mixture produced aNORP of −450 to −550 mV.

EXAMPLE 8 Preparation of Dihydro-Trigoneline

In the first step, beta-Nicotinic amide (niacin, vitamin B-3) orbeta-Nicotinic acid is N-methylated by using a standard methylatingagent (such as dimethyl sulfate) using well known procedures in the artto provide high yields of N-methyl derivative (trigonelline—T- and/orthe corresponding T-derivatives).

In the second step, the N-methyl derivative is partially reducedaccording to methods known in the art, preferably using sodiumdihydrosulfite to provide 1,4-dihydro-pyridine derivative(dihydro-trigonelline - DHT). This reduced form (DHT) provides anegative ORP when dissolved in aqueous solutions (e.g. water) anddepending on the concentration, produces NORP values between about −50and −300 mV.

EXAMPLE 9 Preparation of Silica-Boro-Hydride and Its Use

Sodium metha-silicate penta-hydrate (MW 212; 50 g) is dissolved in 500mL of distilled water. Citric Acid (or tartaric acid or malic acid) isadded in sufficient quantities to get pH of about 9-10. Upon suchacidification, no insoluble silica is visible (we assume that silicastays as a colloidal aqeous solution). To such a solution 5 g of sodiumborohydride is added. Mannitol (20 g) is then added and the obtainedsolution is frozen and lyophilized. The resulting material is a solidwhite residue of ‘silica-boro-hydride’ (yield of about 80 g) which canbe dissolved in in water (50 mg/L) to produce a negative ORP of about−600 mV.

EXAMPLE 10 NORP Syrup

Approximately 50% of a sugar syrup is made in water using sucrose,glucose, fructose, xylitol, erythritol, or many other edible and GRASrecognized sugars. To such a solution, one adds first a polysaccharideto thicken the the sugar syrup (such as apple pectine, xanthan gum andsimilar) followed by a sufficient amount of (usually about 0.5-1 g) of aKHCO₃—Mg (12:1) per liter. Such syrups will be stable for up to 3months, particularly if kept in refrigerator at +4 C. The ORP of suchsyrups are usually around −500 mV.

I claim:
 1. An additive for producing negative oxidation reductionpotential in a consumable material, wherein the additive comprises amixture of: a. at least one reducing agent; and b. at least one carrier,c. wherein the additive produces a negative oxidation reductionpotential of between about −200 and −800 mV in the consumable material.2. The mixture of claim 1, wherein the at least one reducing agent isselected from an inorganic reducing agent, an organic reducing agent,and combinations thereof.
 3. The mixture of claim 2, wherein the atleast one carrier is selected from a base, a saccharide, ascorbateanalog, EDTA analog, and combinations thereof.
 4. The mixture of claim3, wherein the inorganic reducing agent comprises particles of anelemental metal selected from magnesium, calcium, zinc, iron, copper,manganese, cobalt and combinations thereof
 5. The mixture of claim 3,wherein the organic reducing agent is selected from amino-guanidine,dihydro-pyrrol derivatives, dihydro-furan derivatives, dihydro-pyridinederivatives, and combinations thereof.
 6. The mixture of claim 4,wherein the base is selected from the group consisting of sodiumbicarbonate, potassium bicarbonate, sodium carbonate, potassiumcarbonate, magnesium carbonate, magnesium oxide, calcium carbonate, andcombinations thereof
 7. The mixture of claim 5, wherein the base isselected from the group consisting of sodium bicarbonate, potassiumbicarbonate, sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate, magnesium carbonate,magnesium oxide, calcium carbonate, and combinations thereof
 8. Themixture of claim 6, wherein the inorganic reducing agent comprisesparticles of magnesium.
 9. The mixture of claim 8, wherein the at leastone carrier comprises potassium bicarbonate.
 10. The mixture of claim 9,wherein the particles of magnesium and the potassium bicarbonate arepresent in a ratio capable of producing an NORP of between about −200and −800 mV, and a pH of between about 8 to 10, in the consumablematerial.
 11. A method for producing negative oxidation reductionpotential in a consumable material comprising: a. providing a consumablematerial; and b. contacting the consumable material with an additivecomprising a mixture of at least one reducing agent and at least onecarrier, c. wherein contacting the consumable material with the additiveproduces a negative oxidation reduction potential of between about −200and −800 mV in the consumable material.
 12. The method of claim 11,wherein the consumable material is selected from a food, beverage,confection, condiment, sweetener, seasoning, and combinations thereof.13. The method of claim 12, wherein the beverage is selected from water,juices, coffee drinks, tea drinks, flavored beverages, nutrient water,energy drinks, hydrating electrolyte sports drinks, milk, andcombinations thereof.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the at leastone reducing agent is selected from an inorganic reducing agent, anorganic reducing agent, and combinations thereof.
 15. The method ofclaim 14, wherein the at least one carrier is selected from a base, asaccharide, an ascorbate analog, EDTA analog, and combinations thereof16. The method of claim 15, wherein the inorganic reducing agentcomprises particles of an elemental metal selected from magnesium,calcium, zinc, iron, copper, manganese, cobalt and combinations thereof17. The method of claim 15, wherein the organic reducing agent isselected from amino-guanidine, dihydro-pyrrol derivatives, dihydro-furanderivatives, dihydro-pyridine derivatives, and combinations thereof. 18.The method of claim 16, wherein the base is selected from the groupconsisting of sodium bicarbonate, potassium bicarbonate, sodiumcarbonate, potassium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, magnesium oxide,calcium carbonate, and combinations thereof.
 19. The method of claim 17,wherein the base is selected from the group consisting of sodiumbicarbonate, potassium bicarbonate, sodium carbonate, potassiumcarbonate, magnesium carbonate, magnesium oxide, calcium carbonate, andcombinations thereof
 20. The method of claim 18, wherein the inorganicreducing agent comprises particles of magnesium.
 21. The method of claim20, wherein the at least one carrier comprises potassium bicarbonate.22. The method of claim 21, wherein the particles of magnesium and thepotassium bicarbonate are present in a ratio capable of producing anNORP of between about −200 and −800 mV, and a pH of between about 8 to10, in the consumable material.
 23. An additive for producing a negativeoxidation reduction potential in a consumable material comprising amixture of : a. particles of elemental magnesium; b. base; c. whereinthe size of the particles of the elemental magnesium is less than about500 microns; and d. wherein the particles of elemental magnesium and thebase are in a ratio capable of producing a negative ORP of between about−200 and −800 mV, and a pH of between about 8 and 10 in the consumablematerial.
 24. The mixture of claim 23, wherein the base is selected fromthe group consisting of sodium bicarbonate, potassium bicarbonate,sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, magnesiumoxide, calcium carbonate, and combinations thereof.
 25. The mixture ofclaim 29, wherein the ratio of the particles of elemental Mg to sodiumcarbonate is between about 1:5 and 1:50, respectively.
 26. A method forremoving contaminants from wastewater comprising: a. providingwastewater having contaminants in an oxidized form; b. contacting thewastewater with an additive comprising a mixture of at least onereducing agent and at least one carrier; c. wherein contacting thewastewater with the additive causes the oxidized contaminants to bereduced and to precipitate; and d. removing the precipitate from thewastewater.